Diovan (valsartan) is a prescription medication used to help control high blood pressure (hypertension), improve survival rates for those who have suffered a heart attack and treat congestive heart failure. Diovan has been tested in clinical trials with more than 4,000 patients, according to RX List. Overall, side effects caused by Diovan among those with hypertension have generally been mild and transient, and the incidence of adverse reactions has been similar to placebo.
Headache and Dizziness
The most commonly cited adverse effects of Diovan cited by those taking the drug for the treatment of hypertension were headache and dizziness. Roughly 2.3 percent of those in clinical trials discontinued the use of Diovan, citing headaches and dizziness as the reason for stopping treatment. An increase in dizziness was reported by those taking 320mg of Diovan compared to lower doses, according to RX List. Up to 8 percent of those with high blood pressure and 17 percent of those with congestive heart failure may experience dizziness, as reported by eMedTV.
Hypotension and Diarrhea
Diovan may cause hypotension, or abnormally low blood pressure, in some individuals. According to eMedTV, up to 7 percent of those taking Diovan for congestive heart failure may experience hypotension. Among clinical trial participants being treated for heart failure, hypotension and diarrhea (occurring in as many as 5 percent of people) were the two most commonly reported reasons for discontinuing treatment with Diovan. Hypotension was also one of the most commonly cited reasons for discontinuation of Diovan therapy among post-heart attack patients.
Blood Potassium Level Changes
Diovan may cause levels of potassium in the bloodstream to rise. High levels of potassium can have negative effects on the muscles, the heart and blood pressure. Up to 4.4 percent of people with high blood pressure and 10 percent of those with congestive heart failure may develop extremely high blood potassium levels, as reported by eMedTV.
Other Common Side Effects
Other commonly reported symptoms include viral infection (in up to 3 percent of those with hypertension), fatigue (in up to 2 percent of those with hypertension), abdominal pain (in up to 2 percent of those with hypertension), cough, diarrhea, runny nose, sinus infection, nausea, pharyngitis (throat inflammation), edema (swelling), back pain and arthralgia (joint pain), all of which occurred at greater than a 1 percent rate across clinical trials, according to RX List. Viral infection, fatigue and abdominal pain are the only common adverse effects that occurred at significantly greater rates among those taking Diovan compared to placebo.
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